The suspension of Ngong Ping Cable Car will be extended for at least another two months to replace all seven sets of bearings, the cable car company said on Friday. 

"The inner race of the malfunctioning bearing had some irregular wear, which did not influence safe operation of the cable car after being checked by cable car system experts", said Ngong Ping Cable Car Chairman of the Board Adi Lau, "but the abrasion could affect the smoothness of the ride". 

The cable car broke down on January 25, leaving about 800 passengers trapped in the cold in mid air for about two hours. 

The company decided to change the broken-down bearing, but also the other six sets of bearings in the system. The time estimated to replace all the bearings is at least two months. The cable car company said the bearings had been in use since 2006 and needed to be replaced. Then they will be tested to analyze how the abrasion occurred. 

Wilson Shao, the firm's managing director explained, "The two months is just a preliminary estimate. We need to use a helicopter to transport materials uphill, which could be affected by weather conditions and we will try our best to shorten the working process". 

Shao added he had informed passengers of the suspension decision through travel agencies and the passengers who had already bought the tickets could get their refunds at three MTR stations. The on-line booking platform has ceased operations in the meantime. 

Edmund Leung Kwong-ho, former president of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers said the abrasion might have been caused by improper manufacturing of the bearings in the first place and also the bearings could have been in use for a long time. 

A final decision for the real reason of abrasion will come after a detailed examination, added Leung. 

Gregory So Kam-leung, secretary for commerce and economic development, termed the overall replacement of bearings of the cable car a responsible and proper approach. He added, the commissioner for tourism, and electrical and mechanical services departments will supervise the review and test the work to ensure that the cable car is problem free when it reopens. 

Paul Tse Wai-chun, lawmaker from tourism, said the cable car system related to the safety of human life and needed to be dealt with cautiously. He said the cable car should remain out of service until thoroughly repaired and checked, adding that he hoped the company found a solution to improve operations. 

Tse suggested increasing shuttle buses to Ngong Ping Village for travelers, to help shops in the village likely to be affected by the shutdown. 

Michael Wu, chairman of Travel Industry Council, said the impact of suspension of Ngong Ping cable car on travelers is not great and hoped to build up the confidence of the travelers after the overall replacement of the mechanical parts. 

fanfeifei@chinadailyhk.com